Supination is defined as:

Supination is a term that describes a specific movement pattern in the foot and ankle. This movement involves three components: adduction, plantar flexion, and inversion.

When the foot is in a supinated position, it is turned inward and the arch of the foot is typically raised. Adduction refers to the movement of the foot towards the midline of the body. Plantar flexion describes the bending of the ankle that moves the foot away from the shin, similar to pressing down on a gas pedal. Lastly, inversion involves turning the sole of the foot inward, which contributes significantly to the overall mechanics of supination.

By combining these three motions—bringing the foot towards the body's midline (adduction), pointing the toes downwards (plantar flexion), and rolling the foot inward (inversion)—one achieves the classic supinated position. This understanding is essential for those involved in pedorthics and biomechanics, as it relates to the assessment and treatment of various foot conditions and can influence strategies for orthotic design and fitting.